Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Eugene Meltsner: Eugene Meltsner here, inviting you to join today's assemblage of characters and myself for an extended period of discovery, imagination, and exhilaration, of excitement, that is. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Officer: Can I see your license and registration, please?

Bernard Walton: Oh, hi. How you doing?

Eugene Meltsner: You're in a room full of Eugenes.

Judge: I'm not going to tell you again.

Bernard Walton: Jail? You can't do this to me.

Judge: Case dismissed.

Bernard Walton: You've got to get me out of here now.

Bernard Walton: Where are we?

Eugene Meltsner: Colorado. Beautiful scenery. Precisely where in Colorado are we?

Bernard Walton: I don't know. I was on a nice little road that suddenly fed onto this highway.

Eugene Meltsner: May I ask why you're traveling so slowly?

Bernard Walton: The truck can't handle the altitude too well. Engine chokes out at speeds higher than 40 miles an hour.

Eugene Meltsner: I see. I can't believe the maniacs they let on the road these days. What is this? I think he wants you to pull over.

Bernard Walton: What? How can that be? I didn't do anything wrong.

Eugene Meltsner: There must be some explanation. Are your license plates at current specifications?

Bernard Walton: Yes.

Officer: Can I see your license and registration, please?

Bernard Walton: Of course, officer. Here they are. May I ask what I did wrong?

Officer: My radar clocked you at 32 miles an hour. Do you realize that there's a minimum speed limit of 40 miles an hour on this stretch of interstate? I'm afraid I'm going to have to write up a citation.

Bernard Walton: A citation? You're giving me a ticket for going too slow?

Officer: Yes. We have a minimum speed limit to prevent cars from becoming a hazard for other drivers.

Bernard Walton: Well, with all the people flying by me at 100 miles an hour, you're calling me a hazard?

Officer: Well, Mr. Walton, if I allowed you to get away with breaking the law, what would that be communicating to you? I have to call this in. Stay here until I get back, okay?

Bernard Walton: I can't believe this. Hey, wait a minute. I think I heard about something like this.

Eugene Meltsner: Something like what?

Bernard Walton: Policemen giving out fake tickets to gullible tourists. They come up with trumped-up charges and laws and then the city makes all this money on tickets and then they buy baseball stadiums and stuff. Of course, that's it. I'm going to fight this thing. No, they're not going to get away with it.

Chris: In album 79, 11th Hour, it's the critical moment.

Guest (Male): Hardship, obstacles to overcome, risk of failure.

Guest (Female): I just can't shake this feeling that something is wrong.

Guest (Male): It was just an accident.

Guest (Male): Accident? It is insane. We can't pretend that this all isn't real. Jules! Jules!

Chris: Album 79, 11th Hour, now on the club CD and download. Find out more at adventuresinodyssey.com.

Bryant Jennings: Very well then, Mr. Walton. Your court appearance will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Now I'll need your signature in a few places.

Eugene Meltsner: Meaning we'll be staying here overnight?

Bernard Walton: What's the matter? Looks like a nice enough town.

Eugene Meltsner: I was merely considering the financial ramifications of this prospect. Don't you think it would appeal more to common sense to simply pay the fine instead of paying hotel and eating expenses for an extra night in this town?

Bernard Walton: Sign here, please. Okay. Now this has nothing to do with common sense, Eugene. It's a matter of principle.

Eugene Meltsner: But how do you intend to prove your innocence?

Bernard Walton: And here. All right. Well, I'm going to tell them what happened. That's what I'll do. Any reasonable judge would—

Bryant Jennings: Excuse me. May I offer a suggestion?

Bernard Walton: What's that?

Bryant Jennings: A suggestion as to your defense. Working here in the courthouse gives me a slight advantage on such matters.

Bernard Walton: Oh, sure. Go ahead.

Bryant Jennings: In actuality, I'm not supposed to disclose this information, but have you ever heard of Johnson versus Arizona?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course, Johnson versus Arizona. A classic case of a policeman's word against that of an ordinary citizen.

Bryant Jennings: How did Johnson ever think he could beat the entire state of Arizona?

Eugene Meltsner: You mean you're familiar with it? Only as a cursory interest. But you are correct. That would be a magnificent precedent to use.

Bryant Jennings: Look, it would be the simplest precedent. However, if you want to stretch your imagination slightly, there are literally hundreds of other cases you could use. Warren versus Jordan, Masko versus Georgia.

Eugene Meltsner: I really think the Masko case might be overly circumstantial.

Bryant Jennings: It depends on the angle. Though there was a famous related case which would serve you even better. It's called the Fillmore Act of 1974.

Eugene Meltsner: Of course, always my first choice.

Bernard Walton: Excuse me. Can I go now?

Bryant Jennings: I'm sorry. Now, simply bring these with you to court tomorrow.

Bernard Walton: Thanks.

Bryant Jennings: And heed the advice of your friend. He knows whereof he speaks.

Bernard Walton: Yeah, sure. Johnson versus Fillmore. All right.

Eugene Meltsner: It was most enjoyable meeting you. Allow me to introduce myself. Eugene Meltsner.

Bryant Jennings: Bryant Jennings. Nice to meet you. I don't believe I've ever seen you around here. Are you from Oak Park?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, no. Mr. Walton and I are merely passing through on our journey to San Diego.

Bryant Jennings: It's a pity about the delay. But it afforded me the pleasure of meeting you. I wish you could meet— wait a minute. Several of my friends and I are getting together tonight. We discuss philosophies, theories. Would you both like to join us?

Bernard Walton: Well, thanks, but—

Eugene Meltsner: We'd love to.

Bryant Jennings: Great.

Bernard Walton: I can't believe you talked me into this.

Eugene Meltsner: I only thought that since Bryant helped us prepare for your case, you should, in gratitude, accept his invitation.

Bernard Walton: Yeah, well, gratitude is one thing, but this is too much. I mean, it's not like this man saved my life.

Bryant Jennings: Greetings. Glad you could attend. Come in.

Eugene Meltsner: Greetings. Thank you for your generous invitation to two vagabonds of life's and Colorado's highway.

Bryant Jennings: Let me introduce you. Jeffrey, come here. I'd like you to meet Eugene and Bernard. They're just passing through on their way to San Diego.

Jeffrey: How you doing? Nice to meet you. What is it that you do, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: I am a student at Campbell College in Odyssey.

Jeffrey: Oh, would that be named after Thomas Campbell?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. We must learn our lessons in verse. I've used that witticism a myriad of times. Actually, it is Josiah Campbell.

Jeffrey: Good thing. If it was Thomas Campbell, you'd be programming computers in Gaelic. Or if it was Malcolm Campbell, you'd be required to drive 260 miles an hour to class. Or if it were Beatrice Tanner Campbell, the final exam would be a performance of the Merchant of Venice. Or if it were Harry Campbell, no wait a minute, that's my cousin. You wouldn't know him.

Bryant Jennings: Well, did you hear about the new bill in Congress?

Bernard Walton: Excuse me.

Bryant Jennings: Yes.

Bernard Walton: You wouldn't happen to have anything to eat around here, would you?

Bryant Jennings: Oh, yes. Over there, in the atrium.

Bernard Walton: Oh, thanks. I read in the Congressional Record today— what did he say? These newfangled houses. Can't just have living rooms anymore. Excuse me.

Elizabeth: Oh, hello. Can I help you?

Bernard Walton: Yeah, where's the food?

Elizabeth: Oh, that's right behind you.

Bernard Walton: Right behind me. Oh, ball of trail mix. I knew I should have eaten before I came.

Elizabeth: My name's Elizabeth.

Bernard Walton: Oh, hi. How you doing?

Elizabeth: How am I? Well, contrary to all the negative factors that have been impressed upon me in the previous six to seven days, I feel rather energetic if not vigorous. How are you?

Bernard Walton: Excuse me. I need some air. Okay, Bernard, now what? You're in a room full of Eugenes. Maybe I can just sit in a corner somewhere and they'll leave me alone.

Guest (Female): Bravo!

Guest (Male): Thank you. Oh, Eugene, that was remarkable.

Guest (Female): I've never heard a ukulele played so elegantly before. Could you play another tune?

Bryant Jennings: Oh, yes, please. Wait, hold on. Eugene can perform some more later on, but we still have a video to watch.

Guest (Male): Oh, really? Which one?

Bryant Jennings: The Reykjavik Chronicles.

Guest (Male): You just— I adore that film. It's a masterpiece.

Guest (Female): Yes, it's our favorite too. The cinematography is extraordinary. Yes, it's wonderful, isn't it?

Bernard Walton: You got any more of this trail mix? Oh, sorry. I'll go back to my corner.

Guest (Male): As I was saying, the cinematography is extraordinary. The montage, the directing—

Bernard Walton: Nice room. I'll take the far bed.

Eugene Meltsner: That's acceptable to me.

Bernard Walton: Boy, am I bushed.

Eugene Meltsner: I cannot fully express the delightful time I had tonight. I never knew there was a group of people like that on the entire planet.

Bernard Walton: Depends on what planet you're talking about.

Eugene Meltsner: I felt so comfortable with them. I found myself not wanting to leave. I'd be hard-pressed to think of any place I would have rather been tonight.

Bernard Walton: I could think of a couple. Prison, Antarctica.

Eugene Meltsner: What?

Bernard Walton: Well, if there's a perfect place in the world for you, Eugene, it's here. Now, I need to get some sleep so I don't fall asleep in court tomorrow. Mind if I use the bathroom first?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, by all means. A delightful evening.

Judge: Defendant pleads not guilty. Could you explain, please?

Bernard Walton: I wasn't going that fast. If the judge does not accept the Masko precedent, simply read the Fillmore Act of 1974.

Bernard Walton: Got it. Now, when do I mention the scam?

Eugene Meltsner: I attempted to explain this before. You have no evidence of a scam taking place. You need to win this case by legal precedents only.

Bernard Walton: All right. I got it. Thanks for helping me, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: My pleasure.

Judge: Bernard Walton.

Bernard Walton: Yes, sir. That's me.

Judge: Mr. Walton, you've been charged with going under the speed limit on the interstate. How do you plead?

Bernard Walton: Not guilty.

Judge: Defendant pleads not guilty. Could you explain, please?

Bernard Walton: Yes. Just a second. Here it is. In 1973, in Johnson versus Arizona, a trial ensued that has influenced the judicial system in—

Judge: Excuse me. Could you stop a moment?

Bernard Walton: Yes.

Judge: Maybe just tell me what happened when you were stopped for going under the minimum speed limit.

Bernard Walton: Well, I was getting to that.

Judge: Do so.

Bernard Walton: It's right here in Appendix B.

Judge: Fine. Read that.

Bernard Walton: It would be a whole lot better if I could do the whole thing, your honor.

Judge: I'm sure it'll be fine if you just skip to Appendix B.

Bernard Walton: But I really think I could make a better case if I could—

Judge: You got a traffic ticket, Mr. Walton. You didn't sell U.S. military secrets.

Bernard Walton: So you just want me to forget all about this and skip to Appendix B?

Judge: Yes.

Bernard Walton: Okay. Here it is. I was traveling on the interstate, but at a slow pace due to the inabilities of my vehicle to go over 40 miles per hour.

Judge: Wait a minute. Why couldn't your car go over 40?

Bernard Walton: Well, it's an old truck. It's not used to the altitude.

Judge: Oh, so you were driving an impaired vehicle.

Bernard Walton: Well, yes. No. I mean, it wasn't until I got here.

Judge: Why didn't you get it fixed before you drove it?

Bernard Walton: It didn't need fixing. It's your altitude.

Judge: All right then. We'll simply have your truck adjusted before you leave town and we'll dismiss the fine.

Bernard Walton: No.

Judge: No?

Bernard Walton: Why should I pay to have my truck adjusted when I'm just passing through?

Judge: Because your slow driving is a hazard. Be careful, Mr. Walton. I could have you pay to adjust your truck and pay the traffic fine.

Bernard Walton: You can't do that.

Judge: Watch me. Mr. Walton, you're sentenced to vehicular repairs and the fine ensued upon the receipt of the citation. Next!

Bernard Walton: I have a precedent. Yes, I do. Wait a minute. Right here.

Judge: Mr. Walton, I have many other cases to do today.

Bernard Walton: Johnson versus Arizona.

Judge: Mr. Walton.

Bernard Walton: The man took on an entire state.

Judge: I'm not going to tell you again.

Bernard Walton: It's a scam. I heard about this on TV. You're all con artists. I need to get one of those hammers.

Judge: One more word out of you and I'll find you in contempt of court.

Bernard Walton: Give a man a hammer, he goes power crazy.

Judge: I heard that. That does it, Mr. Walton. I find you in contempt of court and sentence you to 72 hours in the city jail or until you pay the fine, which I have now doubled.

Bernard Walton: Jail?

Judge: 72 hours. Case dismissed.

Bernard Walton: I'll appeal! You can't do this to me. It's a matter of principle.

Eugene Meltsner: Bryant! Just the man I wanted to see. Mr. Walton's entire case did not work. He was charged with contempt of court and thrown into jail.

Bryant Jennings: You're joking. Did he use Johnson versus Arizona?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, he tried, but he was only able to articulate a small part of it. This is incredible. Is there anything you can do to help?

Bryant Jennings: Have they set a fine?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, but he left the courtroom proclaiming that he would never pay it.

Bryant Jennings: Well, actually, the only course of action he could take right now is to pay it. I really can't help you.

Eugene Meltsner: I see. Sorry.

Bryant Jennings: But I'm still glad you came by. I've got great news for you.

Eugene Meltsner: What is it?

Bryant Jennings: Remember I told you about my uncle's computer company?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes.

Bryant Jennings: Well, I told him about you and he wants to talk to you.

Eugene Meltsner: Talk to me? Whatever for?

Bryant Jennings: There's a position opening up in the programming department. He wants you to interview for it.

Eugene Meltsner: Me? But where's the company?

Bryant Jennings: That's the best part. It's only about 20 miles away. You could live here.

Eugene Meltsner: I could live here?

Bryant Jennings: Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. I must say, I do feel at home here.

Bryant Jennings: Then what should I tell my uncle?

Eugene Meltsner: Tell him I'll meet with him as soon as possible.

Bryant Jennings: Fantastic. I know you'll get it. You're going to be a great addition to our group.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I suppose I will.

Chris: Now on the Adventures in Odyssey Club, Trey starts his own business.

Guest (Male): Well, if it isn't the proprietor of Trey's Lawn Spa.

Trey: Yeah, well, I'm a business owner now.

Chris: But he wasn't counting on his new neighbor Sophie helping him.

Sophie: That's 60 mosquito bites in the last 15 minutes, Trey. You should really finish this tomorrow.

Trey: I can handle a little itching, Sophie.

Sophie: But can you handle malaria? David Livingstone died from it.

Chris: Bugs, big dreams, and a brand-new business. Listen now on the Adventures in Odyssey Club.

Want to contact us about the episode you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-Family. With a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Bernard Walton: Don't they ever clean these cells? Hey, could somebody send in a squeegee? Hey!

Stanley: Who is that?

Bernard Walton: Over here. Next cell. Oh, didn't see you over there.

Stanley: No, you've been too busy cleaning up. Why are you doing that?

Bernard Walton: Just trying to make this place a little more bearable. Why are you in?

Stanley: Traffic violation.

Bernard Walton: Ah, yes. The old traffic violation scam. Doesn't surprise me. How long are you in for?

Stanley: 72 hours. It's ridiculous.

Bernard Walton: But I guess I'd better go ahead and pay so I can get out of here.

Stanley: No.

Bernard Walton: No?

Stanley: No. Don't do it. Don't let them get to you.

Bernard Walton: Come again?

Stanley: That's exactly what they want you to do. They want you to fold under their pressure just so they can show you that they're in charge. Well, they're not.

Bernard Walton: Well, actually, they are.

Stanley: Who says so? Did they ever ask your permission to be in charge?

Bernard Walton: No.

Stanley: Did the policeman give you a chance to argue when you were stopped?

Bernard Walton: As a matter of fact, no.

Stanley: Did they even let you say what you wanted to say in court?

Bernard Walton: No, they didn't.

Stanley: Of course they didn't. It's a scam.

Bernard Walton: You know, I thought that way from the very beginning. You must be right.

Stanley: Of course I'm right. This is America after all.

Bernard Walton: That's right. They can't get away with this. So, what are you going to do about it?

Stanley: What am I going to do? I'm going to write my Congressman.

Bernard Walton: No. Not quite. I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to wait them out. You're going to stay in this jail and enjoy yourself because, you know what?

Stanley: What?

Bernard Walton: That's exactly what they don't want. They want to break you. But you can't let that happen.

Stanley: Yes. That's it. I'll wait them out.

Bernard Walton: You'll wait them out?

Stanley: That's right. This is all a scam, Eugene, and I can't just pay the fine and let them get away with it. It's a matter of principle.

Eugene Meltsner: But what about the rest of our journey?

Bernard Walton: Well, it's going to have to wait.

Eugene Meltsner: But don't you—

Bernard Walton: No, Eugene. Don't even try to argue. My mind is made up. So just go on out of here and have a good time with your friends because I'm staying right here.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, it's just as well as I've been offered a position at a local computer company and—

Bernard Walton: Yeah, well, that's good because there's no telling how long I'll be staying here.

Eugene Meltsner: Okay. Well, I guess I'll be going now.

Bernard Walton: All right. Well, I'll see you. Wait a minute. Did he say he was offered a job?

Bryant Jennings: All right. Why don't we all sit down? Let's get started. Before we start, let me just tell you what I have planned tonight. After our discussion, we're going to hear an insightful rendition of the Blue Danube on the ukulele by Eugene.

Guest (Female): Oh, how exciting!

Bryant Jennings: Then we've got a video, the Reykjavik Chronicles.

Guest (Male): Oh, I love that film.

Bryant Jennings: So let's get started with our discussion. Tonight's topic is philosophy, science or speculation. Let's open up the floor for discussion.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I've always agreed with Russell's theory.

Bryant Jennings: Very good. So do I. Anybody else? All right, that was good. Anybody want some trail mix?

Eugene Meltsner: Excuse me.

Bryant Jennings: Yes, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: That was the discussion?

Bryant Jennings: Yes.

Eugene Meltsner: No arguments? No opposing theories? No debate?

Bryant Jennings: We're all agreed. Why do we need to debate it?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, primarily because that's the very definition of the word discussion.

Bryant Jennings: Do you agree with the Russell theory?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, of course I do. But is there no one in this room who thinks any differently? My apologies.

Bryant Jennings: Forgive Eugene. He's had a lot on his mind since this afternoon. Would you like me to tell them?

Eugene Meltsner: Tell them?

Bryant Jennings: Eugene is going to work at Compco starting in three weeks.

Eugene Meltsner: Actually, Bryant's uncle has only just offered me the position this afternoon. I haven't given him an answer yet.

Bryant Jennings: What do you mean?

Eugene Meltsner: I mean, I have yet to accept the position offered me.

Bryant Jennings: But why wouldn't you accept it?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I'm still considering my options.

Bryant Jennings: What options? What possible reason could there be for not accepting the position?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I'm simply weighing all the pros and cons.

Bryant Jennings: What cons? Am I mistaken in thinking that this is the opportunity of a lifetime for you? What do all of you think? Is Eugene being absurd in thinking of not taking this job?

Guest (Male): Yes, Compco's a wonderful place to work.

Guest (Female): You're being quite foolish if you don't take the job.

Bryant Jennings: It's unanimous, Eugene. What's the problem?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I simply have other things to consider. For instance, Odyssey. I'm not certain I want to forsake my ties there.

Bryant Jennings: You mean you don't want to leave your friends? Please, Eugene, you're an adult. You're not going to let emotions make this decision for you.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I—

Bryant Jennings: You've got to let that go.

Eugene Meltsner: I do think that emotions must, of course, be—

Bryant Jennings: You're being immature.

Guest (Female): Yes, think about your future.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I must say that there are people in Odyssey whom I would greatly miss.

Bryant Jennings: Who are these people, Eugene? Are you going to miss your small-town rustic friends? Tell me, Eugene. Where else are you going to find a group of people that are on your intellectual level? Certainly not in Odyssey.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, actually, it's—

Guest (Male): He's right. Frankly, we're surprised you haven't simply shriveled up and died there.

Guest (Female): Yes, how could you ever expect to strengthen your character in a place like that?

Eugene Meltsner: Quite easy, actually. It's simply—

Bryant Jennings: Think about it, Eugene. You belong with people like us. Your equals, if not your betters. Not those small-minded yokels in Odyssey. It's a clear decision, Eugene. Listen to us. Let us help you.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed, you have helped me.

Bryant Jennings: Good.

Eugene Meltsner: I've come to a decision. It was nice meeting all of you. Farewell.

Stanley: Guard! Hey, guard out there! Have you noticed something? We're not breaking. In fact, I'm getting ready to throw a party. I'm so thrilled to be in here. I want to live in this cell. Here, look here. I'm putting up curtains.

Bernard Walton: I think everyone out there is asleep. I wish I was. Come on, Bernard, sing with me. Sing. My eyes have seen the glory—

Stanley, Stanley, could we maybe just call it a day and pick up tomorrow? It's getting late and you've been doing that all night.

Stanley: What? You want to sleep? Are you not willing to sacrifice sleep in order to bring justice to America? You want to hear what I've sacrificed?

Bernard Walton: Stanley, I'd like to hear it. Tomorrow.

Stanley: I've been in and out of jail for eight years. I haven't seen my wife and kids for six months. Six months! I've given up my career, my possessions, 10 years of higher education gone for naught.

Bernard Walton: Really? You've given up all that?

Stanley: Yes. And I'd do it again. All for the sake of the revolution.

Bernard Walton: Look, now, I'm not here to start a revolution.

Stanley: Then why are you here?

Bernard Walton: Oh, I'm here to stand up for my principles.

Stanley: Yeah, what principles?

Bernard Walton: You know, what we were talking about during the waking hours.

Stanley: I was talking about revolution. Overthrowing the system. What were you talking about, Bernard?

Bernard Walton: Well, not that. Exactly.

Stanley: I knew it. You're one of those.

Bernard Walton: Those? Who those?

Stanley: You're not really in here as a matter of principle. You're in here because you got your poor little pride hurt.

Bernard Walton: What?

Stanley: You got a ticket and you didn't want to pay it. Big deal. I should have figured.

Bernard Walton: Now, wait a minute.

Stanley: Am I right or am I right?

Bernard Walton: Well—

Stanley: It's not too late. If you really care about this cause, join me. Come on, Bernard, repeat after me. I, a citizen of the new revolution—

Bernard Walton: The man's a loon.

Stanley: Say it!

Bernard Walton: I, a citizen of the new revolution—

Stanley: Will not sit idly by and allow my country to be degraded.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Walton.

Bernard Walton: Eugene!

Eugene Meltsner: I apologize for coming this late, but—

Stanley: Come on, Bernard, repeat. I will not sit idly by and allow my country to be degraded.

Bernard Walton: Try to ignore him. I will not sit idly by and allow my country to be degraded.

Stanley: And I am willing to stay in this jail for a hundred years if necessary.

Bernard Walton: What? And I am willing to stay in this jail for a hundred years if necessary. You've got to get me out of here now.

Stanley: Hey, what did you just say? You want to leave?

Eugene Meltsner: I was actually coming here to convince you to reconsider, but you already have?

Stanley: Never! He shall never reconsider.

Bernard Walton: I've reconsidered. Get the guard.

Eugene Meltsner: All right.

Stanley: No! No, Bernard! You've betrayed me! You've betrayed the revolution!

Bernard Walton: It is good to be back on the road.

Eugene Meltsner: I couldn't agree with you more. Though I'm not entirely certain I understand your change of heart.

Bernard Walton: Eugene, I'm going to be honest with you. It was something about that loon in the jail.

Eugene Meltsner: Really? What about him?

Bernard Walton: Well, he reminded me too much of someone I know.

Eugene Meltsner: Who could that be?

Bernard Walton: Me. And it was pretty scary.

Eugene Meltsner: I see. Interestingly enough, I had a similar experience. There was something about my new friends that seemed too familiar.

Bernard Walton: So that job you were offered?

Eugene Meltsner: I turned it down.

Bernard Walton: All for the best, I guess.

Eugene Meltsner: Alas, it seemed like paradise for a short time, almost too good to be true.

Bernard Walton: Well, anything that seems too good to be true probably is.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. So, where to now?

Bernard Walton: Grab a map and let me know.

Eugene Meltsner: Aye, aye.

Bernard Walton: Oh, and Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, Mr. Walton?

Bernard Walton: Watch the speed limit signs.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, sir.

Chris: Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens another." One way that God speaks to us is through other people, and sometimes the people who help us the most are the ones who are different from us.

You know, I think Eugene and Bernard learned that lesson. They thought they would enjoy being with people who were just like themselves. But what they really needed was someone who had a different view of life. Even if we don't look at things in exactly the same way all the time, we should thank God for people who are different from us.

Adventures in Odyssey is a production of Focus on the Family. "Third Degree" was written by Marshall Younger and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.